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The Office of the Public Defender for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida represents individuals in criminal and civil proceedings who are entitled to court-appointed counsel under the United States and Florida Constitutions, or as authorized by Florida law. The office represents individuals charged with criminal offenses, individuals who are subject to mental health commitments, and individuals who are subject to civil commitment under the Jimmy Ryce Act.

The Public Defender’s Office has been actively involved in the operation of specialty courts, which divert cases out of the regular criminal court system. These specialty courts include Drug Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and Mental Health Court. Diversionary courts such as these are cost-effective, and have assisted many clients in becoming productive members of society, and have shown to reduce recidivism.

Our Case Tracking System is a unique resource provided to our clients and the general public which allows them to access public information about the criminal cases we handle. Information about the assigned attorney’s name, courtroom assignment and next court date are available here.